Vice Dean Cahill Discusses Mandatory Minimum Sentences on BK Live

10/9/2014

Vice Dean Michael Cahill, a criminal law scholar whose work has examined sentencing law and policy, recently appeared on public affairs television program BK Live to discuss mandatory minimum sentences.

Professor Michael Cahill on Drug-Dealer Bill

1/21/2010

A bill has been proposed that would allow New York state law enforcement to charge drug dealers with manslaughter if someone dies from use of their products. Proponents of the bill say it will dissuade major dealers from sharing drugs with friends. However many legal experts disagree, arguing the measure is poorly worded and could implicate any drug user who has simply passed drugs to another. Professor Michael Cahill, who has worked on penal code reform, was quoted by Newsday on the dispute. He sides with other critics of the bill, explaining that it is too ambiguous by failing to address intent. He added pessimistically, "I know it's unprincipled and it probably won't work, but that doesn't stop states from passing these kinds of laws all the time."

Professor Michael Cahill Publishing New Article on Blackmail and the Law

10/1/2009

Professor Michael Cahill was featured on the CrimProf Blog, a blog for law professors, for his new article, "Competing Theories of Blackmail: An Empirical Research Critique of Criminal Law Theory." The piece, co-written by Professor Paul Robinson from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Professor Daniel Bartels from the University of Chicago, analyzes and critiques various current theories, as well as reveals the conflict between community views on the issue and existing legislation.

Donna Powell, a Long Island woman who has admitted to drunk driving, defends her actions as an escape from assault. Professor Michael Cahill, an expert on criminal law, spoke to Newsday about the case. “It will be difficult to prove that Powell was in imminent danger of assault,” he said, “It’s also tough to say that the harm of drunken driving is clearly less serious than the harm of being assaulted. While Powell didn’t hurt anyone that night, she clearly could have.”